We get it: hardware is expensive, and it’s a challenge to wade through all the technical specs to choose the best equipment.
But not upgrading your hardware can have some serious ramifications for your business.
Without hardware that meets your business’s needs, you can suffer from vulnerability to hackers, wasted employee time, and system failure. While it’s tempting to hang on to IBM laptops from 2002, your small business deserves better hardware to foster its success.
Here are signs that it’s time to say goodbye to your old hardware — and procure better equipment.
1) You have Performance Issues
Good computer maintenance can extend the life of your laptops and desktops. Deleting unneeded files, running Disc Cleanup, keeping software updated, and turning the computer off every night all help your computer last longer.
Still, eventually, the specifications of your updated software will likely outstrip your hardware’s performance. On older computers, software runs more slowly on start-up, lags out, or freezes. When this happens, your employees’ productivity will suffer as well.
After a certain point, it costs less to upgrade hardware than it does to pay your employees to sit around. If your employees frequently complain about slow systems or frozen software, it might be time for an upgrade.
2) You Can’t Update your Software
Software updates can be a pain. They often take a long time to install, and may seem to run slower. However, software updates are your first line of defense against hacker and cybersecurity threats. Oftentimes, software updates exist to patch up security vulnerabilities.
What happens when your software refuses to update on your hardware? After all, software updates have hardware specifications. And if your hardware doesn’t meet those specifications, it’s likely that the software won’t update at all — leaving you vulnerable to hackers.
When you can’t update your operating systems or most-used software programs, it’s time to upgrade your hardware.
3) Maintenance and Repair Costs Eat your Budget
Maintaining and repairing your hardware is often more cost effective than purchasing new equipment. However, depending on the age of the equipment, maintaining and repairing it can eventually cost more than a new piece of hardware.
If your equipment was purchased with a warranty, you should try to take full advantage of them before they expire. Doing so can save you hundreds, or thousands, of dollars. If you have a piece of equipment that is nearing the end of its warranty, you should attempt to replace it.
The Bottom Line
Buying new hardware is expensive and time consuming. But the adverse effects of hanging onto outdated equipment can eat into your business’s budget. If you’re concerned about cost, you should consider purchasing refurbished or repaired equipment from licensed dealers.
Vodigy helps small and medium-sized businesses find tech that works for them. With managed IT services and tech advisement, we help your business grow. Contact us today!
